Dennis Cirkin has been linked with a Tottenham return after playing a key role in Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League.
Tottenham are in desperate need of club-trained players and have identified Cirkin as a viable option.
Clubs competing in Europe’s elite competition are required to name four club-trained players in their squad, but Tottenham currently only have one: goalkeeper Brandon Austin.
As a result, a move for Cirkin makes sense, as the Englishman climbed the ranks at Hotspur Way before being sold to Sunderland in 2021 and would therefore count as a club-trained player in North London.
Cirkin to reach an agreement to extend his stay with Sunderland
As reported by The Northern Echo (22 June), Tottenham are keen to sign Cirkin and are ready to make a formal offer to the Black Cats for their former defender.
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It has been suggested that Sunderland could accept a bid of around £20million for Cirkin.
However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes the 23-year-old will remain with the Mackems this summer.
“I don’t see Cirkin joining Tottenham,” Wenham said.
“He will want to play in the Premier League with Sunderland, and I think Tottenham will be reluctant to pay big money on a player who they had a £6m buyback clause for up until last summer.
“I appreciate he’s only got one year left on his deal, but I can see Cirkin reaching some sort of agreement which will see him carry on at Sunderland. He’s a very good player, by the way. I just don’t see this one happening.”
Tottenham need defensive reinforcements
Whether Cirkin is signed or not, Tottenham should still look to add another left-back to Thomas Frank’s squad. While Djed Spence played in that position last season, he is more comfortable when operating on the right.
Therefore, adding an experienced left-back to provide competition for Udogie could make sense.
However, with several attacking reinforcements needed, it may be unlikely that a left-back is purchased this summer.